Question

Tom and Katherine live in different towns which are linked by a bike trail. They agree to meet for a bike ride, and both set off from home at the same time. Tom rides north at a speed of 14 mph and Katherine rides south at 10 mph. The bike trail between their homes is 42 miles long. How long will it be before they meet?

Answer 1

They will meet in 1.75 hours

Answer 2

We can start by using the formula:

time = distance / speed

Let t be the time (in hours) for Tom and Katherine to meet.

Tom's distance = Tom's speed x time = 14t

Katherine's distance = Katherine's speed x time = 10t

Since they are riding towards each other, the total distance they cover is the sum of their distances:

Tom's distance + Katherine's distance = 42 miles

14t + 10t = 42

Simplifying:

24t = 42

t = 42 / 24

t = 1.75 hours

Therefore, Tom and Katherine will meet after 1.75 hours of riding.